Dying hydrangeas? And a poorly clematis?

joannajmiller

Hello there, can anyone help?

I purchased these hydrangeas and planted in pots (ericaceous soil) around 10 weeks ago.  They were doing well initially but over the last 2-3 weeks have started looking decidedly sad! The blue is doing slightly better than the pink but both have faded and the pink one is very dry. I have been checking the soil and watering to keep it moist. They are in morning sun and afternoon shade. Are they on their way out?!  What should I do?

 

Separately, I have a clematis etoile voilette that was flowering beautifully but has also gone all crusty! I must confess I haven't been watering this one, although obviously we haven't been particularly short of rain.  Is this normal?

Alina W

As far as I can see, the leaves on your hydrangeas look perfectly healthy? If that's the case, then all you are seeing is the flowers dying, which they do after a while, like any other flower.

Fairygirl

Yes - hydrangeas are just going over. Nothing unusual 

Your clematis needs watered by the look of it. Rainwater isn't enough when a plant is next to a wall or fence - especially if the fence shelters it from the rain. Clematis need a lot of water  Other planting competes for water and nutrients too.